The lack of water in the swamps of Spain has triggered emissions greenhouse gas emissions. In the first six months of the year, the electricity sector emitted 41,2 million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere, 17,2 million more than in the same period in 2016. This alarming figure shows how drought not only affects water supply, but also has a direct environmental impact.
In terms of power generation, hydroelectric production (a clean energy source with no greenhouse gas emissions) has fallen by more than 51%, largely replaced by coal (72% more use) and gas (up 30%). This decline in clean energy production is linked to the minimal reserves in reservoirs, which paints a very negative picture for the fight against climate change in 2017.
The role of greenhouse gases in the climate crisis
Among the main causes of climate change are greenhouse gases, with the CO2 at the forefront. The increase in carbon dioxide emissions is due, among other factors, to a greater use of fossil fuels such as coal and gas, which offset the decrease in clean energy sources such as hydro and wind power.
According to data from Red Eléctrica de España (REE), electricity consumption so far this year has been almost identical to that of the previous year. However, the increasing use of polluting sources has caused a significant increase in CO emissions.2In fact, electricity generation has been responsible for around 20% of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions.
A clear example of this problem was experienced in 2015, when an increase in the use of coal for electricity generation was the main cause of global CO emissions.2 In Spain, emissions increased by 3,2% compared to 2014. However, in 2016 the situation improved thanks to an increase in rainfall and greater use of renewable energy, which led to a reduction in emissions of 3,5% compared to the previous year.
Water reserves and their impact on electricity generation
To understand the magnitude of the problem in 2017, it is crucial to analyse the state of water reserves. Spain entered 2017 with the lowest reserves since 1995, and the lack of rain has aggravated the situation throughout the year. At the end of July, the reservoirs used for electricity generation only had sufficient theoretical reserves to generate 7.927 gigawatts per hour (GWh), 61% less than the same month last year and 64,6% below the average of the last ten years.
Comparing the current value of water in storage with previous years confirms that 2017 is one of the worst years in terms of rainfall in a long time. This scenario not only affects the capacity for electricity generation, but also poses a major challenge for agriculture and the supply of drinking water in many regions of the country.
Impact on the electricity sector and the use of coal
Against this backdrop, the decline in the use of renewable energy has been mainly offset by an increase in the use of coal and gas. Thermal power plants that burn this fossil fuel have increased their electricity production by 71,9% between January and July 2017, and combined cycle plants have seen an increase of 30,4% in the same period.
This increase in coal use has had serious environmental implications. Coal is one of the most polluting fossil fuels, and its combustion releases large amounts of CO2 and other gases harmful to the atmosphere. According to a report by the European Environment Agency, the country's overall greenhouse gas emissions in 2016 fell by 3,5%, but there are fears that this progress will be reversed in 2017 due to the growing dependence on coal.
The impact of climate change on Spain's energy future
Climate change has led to a significant reduction in long-term rainfall in key regions of Spain. This not only affects the availability of water for agriculture and human supply, but also threatens the country's ability to generate clean energy. Experts predict that if current trends continue, the level of water in reservoirs will continue to decline, leading to increased reliance on polluting energy sources, making it even more difficult to meet emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2050.
Moreover, the tropicalization of some ecosystems, as indicated by a report by National Geographic, is affecting both local biodiversity and energy systems. Hydroelectric plants, especially vulnerable to changes in water levels, could see their production capacity reduced as weather patterns become more extreme.
In this context, the installation of new renewable plants is crucial to reduce dependence on coal and gas, which not only increase greenhouse gas emissions but also contribute to the desertification of some regions of the country.
Finally, the scientific community warns that, if urgent measures are not taken, aridity and desertification will seriously affect strategic sectors such as agriculture and tourism, in addition to reducing available water resources. Climate change is not only an environmental challenge, but also an economic challenge for Spain, which will see a drop in its GDP if episodes of drought and severe heat waves become more frequent and longer lasting.
It is vital to understand that the climate crisis is not only an environmental problem, but also directly affects the economy and people's daily lives. Decreasing rainfall, depleting water reserves and increased dependence on polluting energy sources are pushing us towards a more uncertain future, where solutions will inevitably involve an energy transition and a significant reduction in carbon emissions.